Statement by Ambassador at the Security Council
briefing on EU-UN Cooperation.
"Thank you, President, I join others in thanking the High
Representative for his briefing.
This has indeed been a challenging year for the multilateral
system. Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine saw the return of
war to Europe. The knock-on effects have made it harder to tackle
the most pressing global challenges, exacerbated food insecurity
and prolonged the damage wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In this challenging context, we welcome the positive role played
by the EU and other regional organisations in championing
multilateralism, and supporting the Security Council on
international peace and security. I’d like to highlight three
areas in particular:
First, we recognise the EU’s efforts to address global
challenges. The UK is proud of our work alongside the EU to
establish Energy Transition Partnerships. The ETP has helped
coal-dependent emerging economies make a just energy transition
by building on the model pioneered at COP26, and we look forward
to continuing this work through COP28. We also welcome the EU’s
considerable support for the UN’s Education Cannot Wait fund. As
a co-founder of the fund, the UK values this support to high
quality education in emergencies.
Second, we recognise the EU’s contribution to the UN’s work. This
includes cooperation with UN peace operations and peacebuilding,
for example in Mali and Somalia, and efforts to promote regional
stability. We expect the EU Partnership Mission to Niger will
play a vital role in supporting stability in the Sahel.
In Europe, we strongly support the EU’s role upholding peace and
security in the Western Balkans. This includes through the EU
facilitated Serbia-Kosovo Dialogue and the ongoing important role
of EUFOR.
Finally, the UK welcomes the EU’s support for Ukraine. The EU has
given vital humanitarian assistance and helped tackle global food
insecurity by supporting the Black Sea grain-deal. As we map out
Ukraine’s reconstruction, we look forward to working with the EU
on preparations for the 2023 Ukraine Recovery Conference, hosted
by the UK and Ukraine in London this June.
President, the role of the EU in tackling global challenges and
assisting the UN’s work encapsulates, in these times of crisis,
the need for responsible multilateralism. We need an engaged role
for regional organisations to address the problems we face and
uphold the principles of the UN Charter.
Thank you."
